Posted on Apr 10, 2025 by Breanna Stoutenburgh in Life Change Story | 0
At a recent 71Five Parents Night, we reflected on this powerful Bible passage:
“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son… He sent his servants to call the invited guests, but they refused to come. So he said, ‘Go out to the streets and invite everyone you find, both good and bad.’ And the wedding hall was filled with guests.”
Our volunteer Bible teacher, Sarah, looked into the faces of the young moms and asked, “Why do you think Jesus told this story? What does it mean to you?” Elena, nervously rubbing her pregnant belly, raised her hand and said, “I think it means that sometimes the people who are supposed to show up don’t—but God sends others. My family wasn’t there for me, but he sent all of you!”
Thank you for showing up for young parents at 71Five. You are changing lives!
BREANNA STOUTENBURGH, 71Five Parents Coordinator
541.941-7697 | breanna@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Posted on Jan 10, 2025 by Breanna Stoutenburgh in Life Change Story | 0
Last week at 71Five Parents we were reading Isaiah 43:4 where God says to his people: “You are precious and honored in my sight and I love you.” I asked the teen parents: “Has anyone ever told you that they were “proud of you?” Not one in the group had ever heard the words: “I am proud of you.” Would you agree that kids need to be seen for who they are, that they should be loved and honored? Most teen parents lacked a caring adult to invest time, guidance, protection or support when they needed it. Teen parents may be walking into parenthood themselves with a deficit of their basic needs met.
Would you like to encourage teen parents? As believers we are called to do more than bible-study. Are you ready to act out your faith? Is God calling you to help meet the greatest need that the youth in our community have? Everyone needs Hope. Become a volunteer mentor at 71Five.org
BREANNA STOUTENBURGH, 71Five Parents Coordinator
541.941-7697 | breanna@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Posted on Oct 14, 2024 by Breanna Stoutenburgh in Life Change Story | 0
I have an example of How God chooses the weak things of this world to shame the wise. . .
As I was walking around a university event, I was impressed by two stylish, educated college students in front of me talking about a wedding they were going to attend. But I was surprised to overhear one of the young women loudly explain, “I’m waiting to get an abortion until after the wedding because these hormones make me look really good in my dress!” They both laughed and walked on. These two women were beautiful, with successful academic careers lined out, but I was disturbed by their lack of discretion and what they had value in. Driving home I contrasted the two college students with the teen mothers attending 71Five Parents. They don’t appear to have it all together. They often get judged for ‘mistakes’, poverty, or needs. They come from homes that are filled with chaos. They’ve sacrificed teenage figures to bring children into this world. They aren’t free to just do whatever they want. They are adolescents, but they give their freedom, time, and opportunities because they truly love and value their children.
I believe this is an example of what Jesus is talking about when he says: “The world looks at appearance, but God looks at the heart.” [1 Samuel 16:7] We also know: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” [Proverbs 31:30] If you would like to join our ministry efforts serving teen parents in our community, check us out at 71Five.org.
BREANNA STOUTENBURGH, 71Five Parents Coordinator
541.941-7697 | breanna@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Posted on Jul 10, 2024 by Breanna Stoutenburgh in Life Change Story | 0
Violet is a sixteen-year-old girl who found out that she was pregnant. Looking at the positive pregnancy test, she felt heavy fear and unrelenting dark waves of panic mixed with disbelief. “Is this real?” She went to her mom hoping she would help, instead her mom replied: “I don’t know what you are going to do about this problem. You got yourself into this mess.” When Violet finally had the courage to tell her child’s seventeen-year-old father, he said “You aren’t going to keep it, ARE YOU?” She knew he didn’t love her, and he wouldn’t walk this road with her either. Violet felt a connection with her child, a love for the life inside of her despite what everyone else said. Violet did have one person who listened to what she wanted to do, it was a kind lady she talked to at the Pregnancy Care Center, this woman helped her get into The Magdalene Home, a homeless shelter for teen mothers. Violet knew she couldn’t do this by herself; however, she was encouraged because someone cared and showed her how to get the help she needed to have her baby.
This same story has been told to me again and again by a number of teen moms who attend 71Five Parents. 71Five has a team of Christians who support teen parents by sharing God’s story of Hope. It is very humbling to witness the self sacrificing love that teen mothers give to their children, it is uncommon and heroic. Thank you for your sacrifice and love for the teen parents at 71Five.
BREANNA STOUTENBURGH, 71Five Parents Coordinator
541.941-7697 | breanna@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Posted on Apr 5, 2024 by Breanna Stoutenburgh in Life Change Story | 0
After sending our prayer request email for the 71Five Parents Prayer team, I was delighted to receive a call from Melva a few hours later. She shared with me that: “The Lord is stirring my heart as I pray for these young parents. I was eighteen when I became a young mother in 1961. When you are that young, the brain is not fully developed. I felt so poorly equipped at eighteen to manage a home and take care of children. I know what it’s like to be a young parent and grieve for what each one has to walk through. If I can bless these young mothers and help equip them by supporting 71Five Parents; then I want to do it. I was so busy all my life. Now at 81 years, when I look back at what I went through, I see that the Lord was there with me. “
Can you see the Lord working through Melva to transform and equip young parents? The Lord has called all believers to make disciples. Thank you for giving hope, praying for and equipping each one of our young parents. Jesus said in the Bible, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
BREANNA STOUTENBURGH, 71Five Parents Coordinator
541.941-7697 | breanna@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Posted on Jan 1, 2024 by Breanna Stoutenburgh in Life Change Story | 0
Maria, one of the teen mothers in 71Five Parents shared with me her best friend Eva wanted to come to dinner and would need a ride. We were both so happy that she wanted to join us. This new mom Eva was very young, only 14 years old, and her son was 12 months. When Maria and I were driving to get Eva, we called her, and she told us that her dad had taken the truck with her son’s car seat in it. This meant that without the car seat she wasn’t going to be able to attend the event. We pulled over. Maria and I started making calls. Maria called her teacher from the Highschool child development center “Do they have another seat?” Unfortunately, no… I called Amy at Just Between Friends Consignment, one of our business supporters, Amy said she wished she could help but didn’t have one. She told me to try Rogue Retreat. Calling there I spoke with Bree who wanted to help but they had no available car seats, she directed me to Hearts with a Mission. I called them; they had a seat, but it was too large… Looking at the clock, we had 45 minutes before we had to be at dinner. One last idea popped to mind, Kid to Kid consignment store was another local business who we collaborate with. I dialed Amber the manager; she happily responded: “Come on over, I have the car seat size you can need!” Within 30 minutes Maria & Eva and both of their sons were enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner at 71Five Parents.
Thank you to all the organizations collaborating with 71Five and thank you to those who contribute to these young parents consistently through your donations and prayers… You truly are the hands and feet of Jesus!
BREANNA STOUTENBURGH, 71Five Parents Coordinator
541.941-7697 | breanna@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Posted on Sep 25, 2023 by Breanna Stoutenburgh in Life Change Story | 0
Tami shared with me that although life has been stressful lately; she loves her job. Sometimes she brings her daughter with her to work, and her daughter watches tv while Tami cares for residents, cleans or does laundry. After her work shift Tami walks a block carrying her sleeping daughter home. She said, “If it wasn’t for the support of 71Five Parents, things would be much harder.” Attending Parent Night each Monday helps her feel supported. It’s one night per week she doesn’t have to shop or cook, her daughter can play, and she can get support from people who care. Tami did not know the Lord when she first started coming to 71Five in October of 2021. She said that every time she attends Parent Night she feels a, “Safe, inviting presence.” Tami now has a relationship with the Lord, she says “I believe in Jesus.”
Thank you for providing a safe place and hopeful future to young mothers like Tami and their children. You are truly the hands and feet of Jesus.
BREANNA STOUTENBURGH, 71Five Parents Coordinator
(541) 941-7697 | breanna@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Posted on Jun 27, 2023 by Breanna Stoutenburgh in Life Change Story | 0
“The biggest hurdle for me was when I was pregnant with my second baby Cameron. I remember having Braxton Hicks’ contractions and having to wake up at 7:30 a.m. to get me and my daughter ready for high school.” Candice went on to share that the support the Magdalene Home, the Child Development Center at North Medford High School, and 71Five Parents provided her family were instrumental in her success. Candice was able to graduate from high school this year while mothering three children all under the age of 5. This resilient and strong young mother is a testament of how powerful God’s love is.
Thank you providing the space and resources to young girls like Candice. God is using you to give hope to those in need.
BREANNA STOUTENBURGH, 71Five Parents Coordinator
(541) 941-7697 | breanna@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
